A MOTORCYCLIST was airlifted to Aintree Hospital following a collision on the M56 this morning.

Police closed one lane of the westbound carriageway between junction nine at Lymm and junction eight at Tatton.

At around 10.40am, a full closure was put in place on both carriageways to allow an air ambulance to land at the scene of the crash.

The motorway was reopened at around 11.40am today, Thursday.

A force spokesman said: "Officers were called to reports of a collision on the M56 between junctions eight and nine on the westbound carriageway.

"Officers attended and found that a motorcyclist had come off their bike.

"Air ambulance attended the scene and the motorcyclist was taken to Aintree Hospital.

"As result of the collision one lane was closed while officers dealt with the incident."